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Woman attacked by brown bear while hiking with friend and 3 dogs near Alaska state park
A woman was injured after being attacked by a brown bear while hiking with a friend and three dogs near Chugach State Park in Anchorage, Alaska, on Saturday 18 July 2026. The incident prompted a swift emergency response, with police deploying a drone to locate the bear and firefighters evacuating the injured woman down a hillside. Such attacks are relatively rare but underscore the risks of hiking in bear country during Alaska's summer months, when bears are especially active.
Anchorage Police confirmed officers used a drone to track the animal after reports of the sudden attack came in, while fire crews carried out the evacuation. The woman is reported to be recovering, though further details on the extent of her injuries and the bear's fate have not been disclosed.
In short
- Woman injured in brown bear attack near Anchorage's Chugach State Park.
- Police used a drone to locate the bear afterwards.
- Firefighters evacuated the injured woman down a hillside.
Explained simply
Chugach State Park lies beside Anchorage and is part of a large area of wild land where brown bears live. In summer, bears are active and may be encountered on trails, though attacks on people are uncommon.
Hikers in Alaska can also be accompanied by dogs, which may alert people to wildlife but can affect how bears respond. Anchorage police and firefighters handle emergencies around the city and nearby trails, where steep or remote terrain can make reaching an injured person more difficult.